ABSTRACT
The implementation of animal welfare in the pig industry is becoming a global trend, and welfare can be improved through livestock management. In modern and intensive farming systems, it has become important to find a reasonable compromise between stocking density and productivity. The simultaneous detection of behavioral and physiological parameters is helpful when considering welfare levels for stocking density. This study aimed to confirm the effect of stocking density through transcriptome linkage. A comparison of three groups according to stocking density (low density, eight pigs and 1.0 m2 per head; normal density, eight pigs and 0.8 m2 per head; and high density, eight pigs and 0.6 m2 per head) was performed, and their transcriptomic changes were observed using the RNA-Seq method. Differentially expressed genes were identified for each comparison group (low density vs. normal density, 95 upregulated genes and 112 downregulated genes; high density vs. normal density, 133 upregulated genes and 217 downregulated genes; and high density vs. low density, 245 upregulated genes and 237 downregulated genes). Biological mechanisms according to stocking density were identified through functional annotation. T-cell differentiation and immune disease pathway enriched in the high-density group caused immune imbalance through dysregulated T-cell signaling. Moreover, oxidative stress, together with DNA damage, can lead to high susceptibility to disease. Our study confirmed the biological mechanisms through immunological expression patterns according to stocking density. The study results are expected to provide comprehensive insight into systematic operation strategies considering stocking density and biomarkers for use in welfare evaluation.
Animal welfare in the pig industry is a worldwide trend, and appropriate livestock management can improve welfare. Balancing stocking density and productivity is crucial in intensive farming systems. This study used behavioral and physiological parameters to assess welfare levels related to stocking density. The study identified biological mechanisms and immunological expression patterns influenced by stocking density by analyzing the transcriptome. These results offer comprehensive insights into operational strategies considering stocking density and biomarkers.
Subject(s)
Gene Expression Profiling , Transcriptome , Animals , Swine/genetics , Gene Expression Profiling/veterinary , Animal Husbandry/methods , Oxidative Stress , ImmunityABSTRACT
Cardiac xenotransplantation is the potential treatment for end-stage heart failure, but the allogenic organ supply needs to catch up to clinical demand. Therefore, genetically-modified porcine heart xenotransplantation could be a potential alternative. So far, pig-to-monkey heart xenografts have been studied using multi-transgenic pigs, indicating various survival periods. However, functional mechanisms based on survival period-related gene expression are unclear. This study aimed to identify the differential mechanisms between pig-to-monkey post-xenotransplantation long- and short-term survivals. Heterotopic abdominal transplantation was performed using a donor CD46-expressing GTKO pig and a recipient cynomolgus monkey. RNA-seq was performed using samples from POD60 XH from monkey and NH from age-matched pigs, D35 and D95. Gene-annotated DEGs for POD60 XH were compared with those for POD9 XH (Park et al. 2021). DEGs were identified by comparing gene expression levels in POD60 XH versus either D35 or D95 NH. 1,804 and 1,655 DEGs were identified in POD60 XH versus D35 NH and POD60 XH versus D95 NH, respectively. Overlapped 1,148 DEGs were annotated and compared with 1,348 DEGs for POD9 XH. Transcriptomic features for heart failure and inhibition of T cell activation were observed in both long (POD60)- and short (POD9)-term survived monkeys. Only short-term survived monkey showed heart remodeling and regeneration features, while long-term survived monkey indicated multi-organ failure by neural and hormonal signaling as well as suppression of B cell activation. Our results reveal differential heart failure development and survival at the transcriptome level and suggest candidate genes for specific signals to control adverse cardiac xenotransplantation effects.
ABSTRACT
This cross-sectional study investigated the interaction between the genetic risk score (GRS) and abnormal high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol lipid levels, which are modified by low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and their effects on the prevalence of hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia (hypo-HDL-C) in Korean adults. Baseline data were obtained from the Ansan and Ansung study of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), conducted from 2001 to 2002, that targeted 8,314 Korean adults aged 40-69 years, including old men (47.6%) and women (52.4%), and whole genomic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was performed. We identified 18 SNPs significantly associated with hypo-HDL-C in the proximity of several genes, including LPL, APOA5, LIPC, and CETP, and calculated the GRS. The low-carbohydrate diet score (LCDS) was calculated on the basis of energy intake information from food frequency questionnaires. Furthermore, we performed multivariable-adjusted logistic modeling to examine the odds ratio (OR) for hypo-HDL-C across tertiles of LCDS and GRS, adjusted for several covariates. Among participants in the highest GRS tertile, those in the highest tertile of the LCDS had a significantly lower risk of hypo-HDL-C (OR: 0.759, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.625-0.923) than those in the lowest tertile of the LCDS. In the joint effect model, the group with the lowest GRS and highest LCDS was found to have the lowest risk of hypo-HDL-C prevalence. This study suggests that individuals with a high genetic risk for low HDL concentrations may have a beneficial effect on a lower intake of carbohydrates.
ABSTRACT
Hardware removal in a healed intertrochanteric fracture in elderly, which is not a routine procedure, should be needed in the case of irritable hardware. The reports of refracture after hardware removal can be seen as sparse in current literature, which are focused to secondary femoral neck fracture after removal of the lag screw or blade. We experienced a case of the intertrochanteric refracture and varus collapse after the PFNA removal in a healed fracture, treated with valgus trochanteric osteotomy and angled blade plate fixation. The PFNA is an innovative device for the treatment of the trochanteric fracture; however, the complications after removal never end. Therefore, the removal from healed fracture in elderly who have osteoporosis should not be recommended unless intractable pain had persisted.
ABSTRACT
Choledochocele is a rare subtype of choledochal cyst and is associated with increased prevalence of periampullary cancers. Here, we report an unusual manifestation of infiltrative duodenal cancer arising from a choledochocele, involving superficial spreading (muscularis mucosae) of cancer cells along the duodenum causing gastric outlet obstruction, which clinically mimicked superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Histologically, wide spread of cancer cells was confirmed from periampullary region to duodenojejunal junction showing mismatch with radiologic findings, in which the cancer segment was mainly located in the distal duodenum. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings are discussed with literature reviews.
ABSTRACT
Understanding the changes in the swine female reproductive system is important for solving issues related to reproductive failure and litter size. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of the natural estrous cycle in the oviduct under non-fertilisation conditions can improve our understanding of its role in the reproductive system. Herein, whole transcriptome RNA sequencing of oviduct tissue samples was performed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for each time point relative to day 0 and classified into three clusters based on their expression patterns. Clusters 1 and 2 included genes involved in the physiological changes through the estrous cycle. Cluster 1 genes were mainly involved in PI3K-Akt signaling and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Cluster 2 genes were involved in extracellular matrix-receptor interactions and protein digestion pathways. In Cluster 3, the DEGs were downregulated in the luteal phase; they were strongly associated with cell cycle, calcium signaling, and oocyte meiosis. The gene expression in the oviduct during the estrous cycle influenced oocyte transport and fertilization. Our findings provide a basis for successfully breeding pigs and elucidating the mechanisms underlying the changes in the pig oviduct during the estrous cycle.
Understanding the swine female reproductive system is important for solving issues related to reproductive failure and litter size. The oviduct is the site of fertilization. After fertilization, the fertilized egg moves to the uterus for implantation. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of the estrous cycle in the oviduct can improve our understanding of their roles. In this study, whole transcriptome RNA sequencing of oviduct tissue samples was performed throughout the estrous cycle to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were classified into three clusters based on their expression patterns. Clusters 1 and 2 included genes involved in the physiological changes observed through the estrous cycle. The expression levels of Cluster 3 genes were downregulated specifically in the luteal phase; this was associated with calcium signalling and oocyte meiosis. In this study, we identified that the expression of genes in the oviduct influences oocyte transport and fertilization, which are the key functions of the oviduct. This study provides a basis for successful breeding in the pig industry and elucidating the mechanisms underlying the changes in the pig oviduct during the estrous cycle.
Subject(s)
Estrous Cycle , Oocytes/cytology , Oviducts/physiology , Transcriptome , Animals , Female , Sus scrofa , Swine/geneticsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that increased mechanical stress due to acute graft bending angle (GBA) is associated with tunnel widening and graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Few studies have compared the GBA between the outside-in (OI) and the transportal (TP) techniques. PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of GBA on clinical outcomes and tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction with OI versus TP technique. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Included in the study were 56 patients who underwent double-bundle ACL reconstruction (n = 28 in the OI group and n = 28 in the TP group). Clinical outcomes (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, Tegner score, and knee laxity) 1 year postoperatively were evaluated. Computed tomography scans at 5 days and 1 year postoperatively were used for imaging measurements, and the femoral tunnel was divided into the proximal third, middle, and aperture sections. The GBA and cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured using image analysis software and were compared between groups. A correlation analysis was performed to determine if the GBA affected clinical outcomes or tunnel widening. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in clinical outcomes between the groups. The GBA of both the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral bundles were more acute in the OI group compared with the TP group (P < .05). The CSA at the AM tunnel aperture increased significantly in the OI group (84.2% ± 64.3%) compared with the TP group (51.4% ± 36.7%) (P = .04). However, there were no differences in the other sections. In the Pearson correlation test, GBA was not correlated with tunnel widening or clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Regardless of technique, the GBA did not have a significant influence on tunnel widening or clinical outcomes. Considering a wider AM tunnel aperture, a more proximal and posterior AM tunnel position might be appropriate with the OI technique.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Coronal and sagittal views of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to determine rotator cuff tear size and fatty infiltration, but these images were not enough to identify the tear shape. PURPOSE: To correlate the preoperative axial MRI views and arthroscopic surgical findings to identify the two-dimensional shapes in rotator cuff tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 166 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair between 2015 and 2018. Preoperative coronal, sagittal, and axial MRI views were evaluated for tear size and geographic configuration in axial sections, and the length and the width were measured and were matched with arthroscopic surgical views by lateral portals. RESULTS: The agreement of axial MRI views with the arthroscopic view was 88.0% in crescent, 97.2% in longitudinal, 78.6% in massive, and 100% in rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The mean agreement rate of axial MRI views with arthroscopic view was 81.9%. Mean mediolateral and anteroposterior tear sizes on axial MRI were 16.68 mm and 19.33 mm, respectively. Mean mediolateral and anteroposterior tear sizes by arthroscopic view were 21.49 mm and 21.04 mm, respectively. Tear sizes by MRI axial images were 71.3% of arthroscopic view. SST/IST degenerative changes were noted in most patients with massive tears and rotator cuff arthropathy (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Rotator cuff tear shape on preoperative axial MRI view had close agreement (81.9%) with arthroscopic findings by lateral portal, and tear size by preoperative axial MRI views was 71.3% of that of arthroscopic view. Axial MRI views helped to predict the geometric tear shape of rotator cuff tears.
Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Preoperative Care/methods , Rotator Cuff Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Rotator Cuff/diagnostic imaging , Rotator Cuff/surgery , Rotator Cuff Injuries/surgeryABSTRACT
Coverage by National Health Insurance (NHI) was expanded in the abdominal imaging area as follows: upper abdominal ultrasound on April 1, 2018, lower abdominal ultrasound on February 1, 2019, and abdominal MRI on November 1, 2019. Many patients can benefit from the expansion of NHI coverage. Newly included diseases for NHI coverage includes liver cirrhosis, gallbladder polyps, hepatic adenoma/dysplastic nodules, pancreatic cysts, autoimmune pancreatitis and bile duct stone disease. However, the expansion of coverage made each examination more complex, including indications, follow-up strategy, the number of examination per patients, the standard images to be acquired, and the standard forms of the radiological report. Therefore, more careful consideration is mandatory when an abdominal imaging examination is prescribed and conducted.
